Vertical Rebar Support and Spacing Device and System

ABSTRACT

The Rebar Stabilizers have a flat horizontal upper portion with a hole surrounded by a cylindrical extension adapted to receive a rebar dowel at one end and one or two flat vertical “legs” beneath the other end. They are placed over the top of the form planks used to define the outer periphery of an excavated space to be filled with concrete with a leg abutting the pour side of the plank and (if there is a second leg) a leg abutting the opposite side of the plank so that the upper portion with the hole for receiving a rebar dowel will extend out over the peripheral foundation at right angles to the form planks. In this position, the rebar hole is positioned to receive and hold in position a vertical rebar dowel in upright position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/873,815 titled “Vertical Rebar Support and Spacing Device and System” filed Jul. 12, 2019, the same being incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The instant invention pertains generally to the slabs, foundations and walls of concrete block and wall building construction. More particularly, the instant invention is directed to a support and spacing device and system for holding vertical rebar dowels in correctly spaced and vertical position for and during a concrete pour and set operation creating a concrete foundation so as to be properly oriented and aligned for subsequent concrete block and concrete wall construction atop said concrete foundation.

Relevant Art

Building codes and requirements typically require placement of vertical rebar dowels at regular intervals in the peripheral foundation area of a concrete mono-slab. These dowels are tied to a continuous horizontal footer rebar per code and are ideally positioned so as to extend upward through the center of interfacing concrete block cells or the center of a solid concrete wall.

Most of the time, the installers just fasten the rebar dowels to the continuous footer rebar and lean them against the edge of the excavated space to be filled with concrete so as to form the peripheral foundation. Thus, they start out of position and are further jarred and re-positioned by the rush of concrete being poured/pumped for the foundation/slab. Subsequent efforts to straighten them may temporarily move them back to a more vertical position, but cannot guaranty that they will remain in that position as the concrete hardens around them. The inventor is not aware of any system using the device and methodology of the instant invention to hold vertical rebar dowels in ideal vertical and spaced position before, during and after pouring/pumping concrete to form a foundation and slab structure.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The Rebar Stabilizer of my invention is designed and adapted to hold the vertical rebar dowel in perfect vertical alignment and horizontal position with respect to other rebar dowels, the foundation, and a concrete block or concrete all built on that foundation. This is primarily accomplished by the provision or specialized rebar stabilizers that are used to position one or more vertical rebar dowels in ideal vertical spaced relationship to each other. These stabilizers are provided with a flat horizontal upper portion with a hole adapted to receive a rebar dowel at one end and two flat vertical “legs” beneath the other end. In order to operatively position and use the stabilizers they are placed over the top of the form planks used to define the outer periphery of an excavated space to be filled with concrete to create a peripheral foundation with a leg, or legs abutting opposite sides of ale planks so that the upper portion with the hole for receiving a rebar dowel will extend out ova the peripheral foundation at right angles to the form planks. In this position, the rebar hole is positioned to receive and hold in position a Vertical rebar dowel in upright position. The stabilizers are also provided with nail holes for securing it to the top of the form planks as well as a slot for the tab of a tape measure to be used in measuring out the distance for positioning adjacent stabilizers and rebar dowels. These and other aspects of the inventive concept and goals can best be understood by reference to the drawing figures and description that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed to be characteristic of this invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further object and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A provides a schematic perspective view providing insight into the placement of vertical rebar dowels in the construction of concrete foundation/wall combinations.

FIG. 1B provides a schematic side view of the invention as used to hold a vertical rebar dowel in position in accordance with the teachings of the invention.

FIG. 2A provides a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the invention intended to fit over and be attached to a 2×10 plank used as a form for a concrete foundation in accordance with the teachings of the invention.

FIG. 2B provides a lop view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C provides a schematic perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1B, which includes further a rod stabilizing extension around its rebar hole, so as to form the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3A provides a schematic perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention that does not include the “back leg” shown in FIG. 2A. This embodiment is intended to be used where placement of a back leg would be prevented by an adjacent stake used to hold the form plank in position. With this change, the invention can once again be attached to a 2×10 plank used as a form for a concrete foundation in accordance with the teachings of the invention.

FIG. 3B provides a top view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C provides a schematic perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3A further including a rod stabilizing extension around its rebar hole, so as to form the preferred embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A provides a typical example of the required placement of vertical rebar dowels 1 at regular intervals in the peripheral foundation area 2A of a concrete mono-slab 3. These dowels 1 are tied to a continuous horizontal footer rebar 7 and are ideally positioned so as to extend upward as shown through the center of interfacing concrete block 5 cells 5A or the center of a solid concrete wall constructed in lieu thereof. p In the instant invention, as better seen by review of FIGS. 1B-3B, the specialized rebar stabilizers 6 of my invention (hereinafter referred to as “stabilizers 6”) are used to position one or more vertical rebar dowels 1 in ideal vertical spaced relationship to each other. As seem in FIGS. 2A through 3B, stabilizers 6 are provided with a substantially planar upper portion 6A with a rebar hole 68 at one end, which upper portion 6A is horizontal when operatively positioned. At least one planar leg member 6C, 6D extends across the bottom of upper portion. These leg members 6C, 6D are vertical when stabilizer 6 is operatively positioned. In order to operatively position and use stabilizers 6, they are placed over the top of form planks 10 with upper portion 6A abutting the upper edge of said plank 10 and forward leg 6C abutting the foundation facing portion of plank 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1B. Where the rear face of plank 10 is not blocked by an adjacent stake 11 used to hold plank 10 in position, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C can advantageously be used, with its rear leg 6D abutting the rear face of plank 10. (Where the rear face of plank 10 is blocked by an adjacent stake 11 used to hold plank 10 in position, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3A through 3C—lacking rear leg 6D—can advantageously be used). Of course, this embodiment can also be used where no rear stake 11 is present, but is not considered as ideal for that purpose as the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C.

As will be appreciated by review of the structure of stabilizer 6, positioning stabilizer 6 in this manner will extend upper portion 6A out over the peripheral foundation at right angles to form planks 10. In this position, rebar hole 6B is ideally positioned to receive and hold in position a vertical rebar dowel as better seen by reference to FIG. 1B. The length of portion 6A and the positioning of hole 6B thereon is chosen in order to center hole 6B (and rebar dowels 1) inside the cells 5A of the concrete blocks 5 chosen for use or in the center of the concrete wall to be constructed, and will vary accordingly. Multiple holes 6B can also be placed in portion 6A to accommodate different standard block sizes and concrete wall sizes.

Finally, the preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in FIGS. 2C and 3C, also feature a rod stabilizing extension 6G around rebar hole 6B. Rod stabilizing extensions 6G can advantageously be formed as hollow cylinders (as shown in FIGS. 2C and 3C) having their open interiors 6H communication with rebar holes 6B so as to extend holes 6B and form a rigid bracing extension perpendicular to planar upper portion 6A. This serves to better hold rebar rods 1 inserted through holes 6H in braced upright vertical position perpendicular to portion 6A and the ground, which is advantageous in view of the purposes of the invention.

In setting the stabilizers 6 in position, it is best to start at a corner as specified above, using nail holes 6E, preferably with one or two double head nails. After the first stabilizer 6 is fastened in place, the end tab of a tape measure can be inserted in slot 6F to measure off the distance required by the building drawings or applicable building codes for the next rebar dowel 1. After positioning and nailing the next stabilizer 6 in position, this process is continued until stabilizers 6 for all rebar dowels 1 necessary for the anticipated concrete pour are in position. After this, the rebar dowels 1 are slid through respective rebar holes 6B and secured to footer rebar 7. A level can be used if necessary to insure that all dowels 6 are positioned in a perfectly upright position prior to tying off to footers 7. After this, the concrete pour is made and appropriate hand floats (preferably magnesium floats) are used on the edges of the slab and the slab is allowed to set a second time. Alter this, the retainers 6 are removed by removing securing nails and pulling the retainers 6 straight off of their positions on planks 10, and the job is finished by using mag floats around the area where the retainers 6 were used to finish the slab.

PARTS LIST

1 vertical rebar dowels

2A peripheral foundation

3 concrete mono-slab

5 concrete block wall

5A concrete block cells

6 rebar stabilizer

6A planar upper portion of stabilizer

6B rebar hole of stabilizer

6C forward planar leg member of stabilizer

6D rear planar leg member of stabilizer

6E nail holes

6F slot

6G rod stabilizing extension

7 horizontal footer rebar (or “footers)

10 plank

11 stake

In view of the foregoing, it should be clear that numerous changes and variations can be made without exceeding the scope of the inventive concept outlined. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments) of the invention herein described is/are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiment(s) is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which recite those features regarded as essential to the invention. 

1. A rebar stabilizer for holding rebar in an upright position, compromising an elongate upper member with a rebar end and a mounting end; a transverse rebar hole through said upper member proximate said rebar end, which hole is sized to accommodate a rebar dowel; at least one elongate vertical member extending downward from the upper member proximate the mounting end; and wherein said stabilizer can be operatively affixed to a molding board via at least one of: placement of said at least one vertical member adjacent and aligned with a vertical side surface of a said molding board, and placement of a portion of said upper member adjacent and aligned with a horizontal upper surface of a said molding board.
 2. The stabilizer of claim 1, wherein at least one of: said upper member is substantially planar with a flat lower surface, and the flat lower surface can be operatively placed adjacent and aligned with a horizontal upper surface of a said molding board, and any of said at least one vertical it is substantially planar having a flat surface that can be operatively placed adjacent and aligned with a vertical side surface of a said molding board.
 3. The stabilizer of claim 1, further comprising at least one of at least one nail hole is provided in at least one of said members for nailing said stabilizer in operative position on a said molding board, a measuring tape tab slot is located in at least one of said members for use in measuring the distance between stabilizers for placement purposes, and a stabilizing extension surrounding said hole and extending at right angles from said upper member.
 4. The stabilizer of claim 2, further comprising at least one of at least one nail hole is provided in at least one of said members for nailing said stabilizer in operative position on a said molding board, a measuring tape tab slot is located in at least one of said members for use in measuring the distance between stabilizers for placement purposes, and a stabilizing extension surrounding said hole and extending at right angles from said upper member.
 5. The stabilizer of claim 3, wherein at least one of: said stabilizing extension forms a hollow cylinder, said at least one vertical member is comprised of two vertical members that can be operatively placed adjacent and aligned with opposing vertical side surfaces of a said molding board, and said at least one vertical member is comprised of one vertical member that can be operatively placed adjacent and aligned with a vertical side surface of a said molding board facing and defining an area into which concrete will be poured.
 6. The stabilizer of claim 4, wherein at least one of: said stabilizing extension forms a hollow cylinder, said at least one vertical member is comprised of two vertical members that can be operatively placed adjacent and aligned with opposing vertical side surfaces of a said molding board, and said at least one vertical member is comprised of one vertical member that can be operatively placed adjacent and aligned with a vertical side surface of a said molding board facing and defining an area into which concrete will be poured.
 7. A method for securing relay dowels in vertical position and pouring concrete around said rebar dowels, comprising: providing a rebar stabilizer having an elongate upper member with a rebar end and a mounting end, with a transverse rebar hole sized to accommodate a rebar dowel through said upper member proximate said rebar end, and at least one elongate vertical member extending downward from the upper member proximate the mounting end; affixing said rebar stabilizer to a molding board bounding said concrete pour via at least one of placement of said at least one vertical member adjacent and aligned with a vertical side surface of a said molding board, and placement of a portion of said upper member adjacent and aligned with a horizontal upper surface of a said molding board; inserting a rebar dowel through said rebar hole so as to be held in upright vertical position via said rebar stabilizer; and pouring concrete around said rebar dowel.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein at least one of: said upper member is substantially planar with a flat lower surface and the flat lower surface is placed adjacent and aligned with a horizontal upper surface of a said molding board, and any of said at least one vertical members is substantially planar with a flat vertical surface that is operatively placed adjacent and aligned with a vertical side surface of the said molding board.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein at least one of: at least one nail hole is provided in said tipper member and is used for nailing said stabilizer in operative position on the said molding board, a measuring tape tab slot is located in said upper member and is used for measuring the distance between stabilizers for placement purposes, and a stabilizing extension surrounds said hole extending at right angles from said upper member.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein at least one of: said stabilizing extension forms a hollow cylinder, said at least one vertical member is comprised of two vertical members that are operatively placed adjacent and aligned with opposing vertical side surfaces of said molding board, and said at least one vertical member is comprised of one vertical member that can be operatively placed adjacent and aligned with a vertical side surface of the said molding board facing and defining an area into which concrete will be poured.
 11. A rebar stabilizer for holding rebar in art upright position during a concrete pour into air area bounded by molding boards, comprising an elongate planar upper member with a rebar end and a mounting end said upper member having a flat lower surface at said mounting end which can be operatively placed adjacent and aligned with a horizontal upper surface of a said molding board, and a rebar hole proximate said rebar end, which hole is perpendicular to said planar upper member and sized to accommodate a rebar dowel; an elongate planar vertical member extending downward from the upper member proximate the mounting end, said vertical member being perpendicular to said upper member and having a flat surface which can be operatively placed adjacent and aligned with a vertical side surface of said said molding board facing the pour area; wherein said stabilizer is operatively affixed to a said molding board via placement of said vertical member adjacent and aligned with said pour facing vertical side surface of the molding board, and placement of said flat surface at the mounting end of said upper member adjacent and aligned with a horizontal upper surface of the molding board.
 12. The stabilizer of claim 11, further comprising another elongate planar vertical member extending downward from the upper member at its mounting end said vertical member being perpendicular to said upper member and having a flat surface which can be operatively placed adjacent and aligned with a vertical side surface of said molding board facing away from the pour area.
 13. The stabilizer of claim 11, further comprising a cylindrical stabilizing extension surrounding said hole and extending at right angles from said upper member.
 14. The stabilizer of claim 12, further comprising a cylindrical stabilizing extension surrounding said hole and extending alright angles from said upper member.
 13. The stabilizer of claim 11, further comprising at least one transverse nail hole at the mounting end of said upper member for nailing said stabilizer in operative position on a said molding board.
 14. The stabilizer of claim 12, further comprising at least one transverse nail hole at the mounting end of said upper member for nailing said stabilizer in operative position on a said molding board.
 15. The stabilizer of claim 13, further comprising at least one transverse nail hole at the mounting end of said upper member tor nailing said stabilizer in operative position on a said molding board.
 16. The stabilizer of claim 14, further comprising at least one transverse nail hole at the mounting end of said upper member for nailing said stabilizer in operative position on a said molding board.
 17. The stabilizer of claim 11, further comprising a measuring tape tab slot located at the mounting end of said upper member for use in measuring the distance between stabilizers for placement purposes.
 18. The stabilizer of claim 12, further comprising a measuring tape tab slot located at the mounting end of said upper member for use in measuring the distance between stabilizers for placement purposes.
 19. The stabilizer of claim 13, further comprising a measuring tape tab slot located at the mounting end of said upper member for use in measuring the distance between stabilizers for placement purposes.
 20. The stabilizer of claim 14, further comprising a measuring tape tab slot located at the mounting end of said upper member for use in measuring the distance between stabilizers for placement purposes. 